Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron after the Paraguayan attacker stated that he would like to play for a team that "fights more", prior to the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Almiron's controversial comments came in a recent interview with Paraguayan radio station ABC Cardinal and, according to Football Insider, that interview has now left several of his Newcastle team-mates fuming.

In what has been a disappointing season for the Magpies, Almiron has arguably been one of few positives at the club. The 27-year-old has come up with some important goals for Steve Bruce's side, netting in wins against Southampton and relegation rivals West Brom.

Discussing the comments made by Almiron in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

"If I was Steve Bruce, I would be absolutely annoyed and angry. There's too much, there's too much coming out of Newcastle at the moment. I mean, the manager's had a flare-up with one of the players, which is an everyday occurrence at football clubs up and down the country.

"Whether it's between player and player or between player and manager, whether it's a big player and a coach, there's always a disagreement, but why that gets into the public domain..."

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday player also added:

"Him making that comment now is going to create more problems within the dressing room because players are going to turn around and say, 'well you're accusing me of not fighting then for the club?'"

With Newcastle battling for Premier League survival, Almiron's comments are the last thing Bruce needs, especially after all the fallout from the Daily Mail's Matt Ritchie story.